Winds caused death dive of top paraglider

 
10 April 2012

An experienced paraglider was killed in the Pyrenees after turbulent winds caused him to crash-dive, an inquest heard today.

Marine biology graduate Guy Joseph, 25, travelled the world to participate in extreme sports, the hearing was told. But he lost his life when he strayed into a treacherous part of the mountains near the Spanish town of Organya.

His friend Alex Ledger, owner of a paragliding school there, said "flying conditions were ideal" when his group of six set out last October.

He said Mr Joseph, from East Finchley, took off from the western face of one mountain on a route he had flown frequently. A search was started when he failed to arrive two hours later.

His body was found next day on the treacherous eastern face of the mountain a kilometre from the intended landing site. The inquest heard that the "terrain there causes turbulence", making it difficult for fliers.

Deputy Hertfordshire coroner Graham Dunbury said unfamiliar "air currents" led to the crash that caused the fatal injuries. He recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Mr Joseph's mother Vicky said: "Guy lived his life to the full every minute."

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